5 comments about Journey from Madness to Serenity: A Memoir Finding Peace in a Manic-Depressive Storm.

1. Much more than the dull, ubiquitous "let me tell you my story" books weighing down shelves at the bookstores, Akilah takes you on a life journey with her through some personal, emotional and mind blowing experiences. Her detailed accounting of events leaves you never wanting to put the book down to see how she triumphed or fell prey. She has demonstrated her ability to bring you into the life of a diagnosed Manic Depressant and help you to understand and read the symptoms leading up to such a diagnoses. I truly enjoyed the education and research she provides to help someone else who maybe having some of the same challenges. She should be praised for her accomplishments in spite of her circumstances. Most of us couldn't have done it in our right minds!



2. This book is definitely not one of those "Woo Me" stories. Instead it's an inspirational story of one persons experience with manic-depression. The author brings not only her remarkable compassion and but also a bit of research to bear on this devastating dilemma.
   
   
   I read the book in one day. I shared with a friend, and he read it in one day. Therefore, I would say this is not one of those books full of unnecessary detail, yet the author holds you with an interesting story. Akilah, shares with you her life with manic depression, with clear and precise events that takes you into her life. It doesn't get too technical in regards to mental illnesses or depression. If you have background knowledge on depression and mental illnesses, you could probably relate more. However, if you haven't, it explains enough to move you along. The author gives you enough background to understand how manic depression alters one's life.
   
   
   I encourage persons living with depression, to share this book with close friends to help them gain a better understanding of how depression can alter your lifestyle. Reading Akilah's story will help close friends understand 'What Not To Say'to a person with manic depression, and how to recognize the signs. Many peoples first reaction dealing with loved-one with depression is to attribute all their actions to being depressed. Ultimately, those loved ones make the mistake of assuming they amplify all feelings and emotions.



3. This book is definitely not one of those "Woo Me" stories. Instead it's an inspirational story of one persons experience with manic-depression. The author brings not only her remarkable compassion and but also a bit of research to bear on this devastating dilemma.
   
   I read the book in one day. I shared with a friend, and he read it in one day. Therefore, I would say this is not one of those books full of unnecessary detail, yet the author holds you with an interesting story. Akilah, shares with you her life with manic depression, with clear and precise events that takes you into her life. It doesn't get too technical in regards to mental illnesses or depression. If you have background knowledge on depression and mental illnesses, you could probably relate more. However, if you haven't, it explains enough to move you along. The author gives you enough background to understand how manic depression alters one's life.
   
   I encourage persons living with depression, to share this book with close friends to help them gain a better understanding of how depression can alter your lifestyle. Reading Akilah's story will help close friends understand 'What Not To Say'to a person with manic depression, and how to recognize the signs. Many peoples first reaction dealing with loved-one with depression is to attribute all their actions to being depressed. Ultimately, those loved ones make the mistake of assuming they amplify all feelings and emotions.



4. This book is definitely not one of those "Woo Me" stories. Instead it's an inspirational story of one persons experience with manic-depression. The author brings not only her remarkable compassion and but also a bit of research to bear on this devastating dilemma.

   I read the book in one day. I shared with a friend, and he read it in one day. Therefore, I would say this is not one of those books full of unnecessary detail, yet the author holds you with an interesting story. Akilah, shares with you her life with manic depression, with clear and precise events that takes you into her life. It doesn't get too technical in regards to mental illnesses or depression. If you have background knowledge on depression and mental illnesses, you could probably relate more. However, if you haven't, it explains enough to move you along. The author gives you enough background to understand how manic depression alters one's life.

   I encourage persons living with depression, to share this book with close friends to help them gain a better understanding of how depression can alter your lifestyle. Reading Akilah's story will help close friends understand 'What Not To Say'to a person with manic depression, and how to recognize the signs. Many peoples first reaction dealing with loved-one with depression is to attribute all their actions to being depressed. Ultimately, those loved ones make the mistake of assuming they amplify all feelings and emotions.




5. This book is truly a success story. Akilah takes you inside her life, mind, and heart. I feel it an honor to have had the opportunity for Akilah to share her personal story with me. Akilah not only addresses the issues of being afflicted with Manic-depressive illness but shares her intimate thoughts of self-doubt and the feelings of inadequacy in addition to how men attempted to manipulate her in to believing they were some extraordinary men and the only one willing to take on the burden of this illness with her. My heart went out to her when I read the part regarding the lack of support she recieved from the person she probably needed it most from, her mother. How could a mother make a child feel less of a person? How could a mother justify those actions? How could a mother contribute to these feelings of inadequacy supporting a man who is too weak and pathetic to assist a woman in becoming stronger because her weak moments are his only security, wishing them never to leave for fear that she may realize she could do a lot better than him in the selection of a partner. That isn't love. There is no justification for it. I salute you Akilah. I am also afflicted with manic-depressive illness and refuse to allow anyone to use this illness to mask their own inadequacies. The love of God be with, comfort, guide, and protect you always.

2 comments about The Rustling of Leaves: An Adventure of Recovery.

1. This book is of interest because it reveals the obsession of the mind of a man that is a recovering alcoholic. In the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book there is a section that reveals that the "disease" of alcoholism and drug addiction is the obsessive "thought process" in the individual. Mr. Costanzo, by giving the readers his life experience of this phenomena, assist others who might find themselves becoming obsessed. This book was a joy to read. An exciting adventure into the mental and emotional process of a recovering alcoholic who moves away from "the program of Alcoholics Anonymous" and begins to "take his life back for himself," rather then depending on a Power Greater than himself. He travels back to emotional hell and comes back to warn us of the pitfalls. I think any person on a spiritual path would enjoy this book. Certainly anyone who is in recovery from either alcoholism or drug addiction would find the pages an eye-opener in regards to their own life in recovery... it uncovered some of my own difficulties in my recovery process.



2. Before I read The Rustling of Leaves, I had a few preconceived notions of what this story would tell. I thought It would be another one of those same old "rags to riches" tales that are so often told among various people in recovery. I thought it would be the average run of the mill epics that are often predictable and lacking any real human experience that has been done time and time again. I was wrong.

   Throughout the book, I found myself held captive by the honesty of Mr. Costanzo's situation. His battle with booze, the courts, the prisons and ulimately himself, was a reflection a man who had managed to survive through an incredable amount of pain and misery. He basicaly was in a place where he had no choice but to surrender to the people, places and events that led him to helplessness and a ten by fifteen foot cell in Folsom prison. He was locked up with nowhere to turn, except to his God and his wife. Thats when started to realized all the problems he caused himself and all of those around him were a direct result of his unwillingness to let go of his own will. That's when he finally stated his long spiritual path that led him to the love that he knows today. The message this reader received was hope. The way Costanzo outlined his understanding of the twelve steps his never ending relationship with God, was moving as well as entertaining. The most effective and lasting memory I have of this book is the timeless love story between Mr. Costanzo and his wife Ginger; it brought me to tears.

   In my opinion, this book would not only be help for those who are in recovery, but to the average reader that's looking for a story that will bring hope to the hopeless, faith to the faithless and joy to the joyless.

2 comments about Tinnitus: Help and Hope.

1. Most helpful, written in a smooth intelligent style, gives many tips for the sufferer in a non/medical type fashion. A terrific book...get this one!



2. I found this book helpful, understandable, and an easy read (without the medical jargon that other books often contain). The doctor discouraged me years ago saying, "Not much could be done for Tinnitus." This book offers much help and encouragement to victims of this condition.

No comments about The Story of My Life.

No comments about Onward Through The Fog.

No comments about Geriatric Junkie: (1994-1999).

No comments about The Story of My Life: with her letters (1887-1901) and a supplementary account of her education including passages from the reports and letters of her ... Anne Mansfield Sullivan by John Albert Macy.

No comments about Willing My Way Back.

5 comments about My Friend My Lover My Husband.

1. To the beautiful woman who took on that crack addict husband, my hats off to you and keep on keeping on must success in spreading this beautiful story.



2. SUCH A REAL STORY, IF I DIDN'T READ THE BOOK I WOULDN'T HAVE BELIEVED IT. I MET THE AUTHOR AT A BOOK SIGNING, SHE HAD SUCH A BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT....



3. I WAS HESITANT ABOUT READING THE BOOK MY FRIEND MY LOVER MY HUSBAND. I BROWSE THROUGH THE BOOK AND IT CAUGHT MY EYE AS WELL AS MY ATTENTION. I ALWAYS LOOKED AT MY MOTHER AS BEING STRONG, BUT I READ ABOUT SOMEONE WHO SHARES SOMETHING IN COMMON WITH MY MOTHER.........GOD BLESS YOU AVIS LAMB BROWN



4. My Friend My Lover My Husband covers a timely and important problem many of us may face - drug addiction by a spouse. However, the structure and lack of good editing/proofreading made this book a chore to read. Full of grammatical errors and typos, my attention was constantly pulled from the story and the author's experience. Written in a rambling style, I had problems following the story's timeline. In a nutshell, this book is just poorly written. Many people may have a story pertinent to others but maybe every story should not be told.



5. After I read the book, my friend my lover my husband. I had to think about it for awhile and shared it with another male friend of mind and we talked about it. Sharing each others thoughts of the book, because it was about a black male who left his family for another women. But as we continued to talk about it that man her husband can be any one of my friends, uncle, cousins or my dad. It's a story of her husband because he was the one who left her. And finally, we are thankful that there it really is some black women who do stand behind their mates. My sister I hope I will meet someone strong like you when I am grown,keep on keeping on.

2 comments about Facing Fear: A Young Woman's Personal Account of Surviving Breast Cancer.

1. "Facing Fear" is an excellent read for young women facing Breast Cancer. It is unique and refreshing because it is written from a young woman's perspective---and it reads like a novel! I recommend this book because it eloquently explains the emotional journey, the importance of support from friends and family, as well as the physical journey. It also gives some practical information about radiation and bi-lateral mastectomy with reconstructive surgery. While "Facing Fear" is not structured and written as a step-by-step guide, it is an excellent account of one woman's journey from diagnosis to completion of treatment. This book will give young women (and their family and friends) support and information about facing Breast Cancer. Bravo!



2. The author was very descriptive beginning with her early detection all the way through her reconstruction. She covered every angle of her ordeal, which I found fascinating and so easy to understand. Unlike reading a 'medical book', this book expresses the author's thoughts and emotions which I found very comforting. Any questions I had in my mind were answered in this book. I felt like it was written by me/for me. Even the time frame was identical. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! I high recommend it not only for breast cancer victims but also for friends and family. It will help them understand our fears and the physical aspects of dealing with this disease.